Keri Hilson

Singer-songwriter Keri Hilson established a reputation as a behind-the-scenes force in urban contemporary in the 2000s, with work as an arranger and back-up vocalist on a number of projects. Cameo spots on Xzibit's single, "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)," and in Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous" video brought her to public attention, and an association with Timbaland led to several spots on the famous producer's 2007 album SHOCK VALUE; Timbaland in turn signed Hilson to his Mosley Music label, where she became his most prolific hitmaker.

• r&b/soul